CHAPTER 4: THE MASTER’S VISIT.

　　There is something they just don’t know about the previous night, the devil did come… But only Williams did see him.

　　●* * *

　　Everyone were busy working hard on their business schedules so as to make it up before twelve.

　　Sonia made sure she was up before 6am, she drove to her office, first making sketches of the bridal gown to be used in three days time.

　　She was done before the next three hours, which after that she zoomed off back home.

　　She requested for a warm shower.

　　Burying herself in the warm water was the only thing Sonia wanted at the moment. It was like a relief to her soul.

　　She wished to stay like that for the rest of the day but, the party was much more important than any other thing.

　　She wouldn’t want to miss out for any reason. It’s been so long since she had such a sweet gathering with her family, today won’t have to be the same.

　　Sonia took out her towel from the hanger, tied it around her chest as she left the bathroom to her room.

　　She was standing before her wardrobe, contemplating over what to wear when her phone rang.

　　She walked to the lamp stand where she had dropped it, she checked on the dialer.

　　John.

　　“Hey, babe.” She greeted, heading back to the wardrobe.

　　“Hey. How you doing?” John asked from the other side.

　　“I’m good, what about you?” She asked back, searching through her clothes to find the best.

　　Honestly, there were many of them which were best for a party, but Sonia just needed the perfect one.

　　“Doing good too. Actually, I’m on my way to Florida.” He told her.

　　“What?” She exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Damn, we’re all not around for the meantime.”

　　“ Seriously? Where to? “

　　“ We’re all attending Uncle Abel’s party this noon by twelve. “ She answered, still searching for a dress.

　　“ What kind of party? “He asked again.

　　“He opened a new company two days ago, so he wants us to help celebrate with him.” She finally found a dress, “Gotcha. “

　　“ What? “

　　“ Nothing. I wasn’t talking to you.” She shut her wardrobe close, dropping the cloth on the bed.

　　“ Guess I’ll have to spend the night at one of the motels then I come over to your house by tomorrow, what do you think?”

　　“ That will be great. Just give me a call when you get to the airport.”

　　“ Alright. Do take care of yourself, and have fun too.”

　　“ You too, babe. Safe trip.” She hangs up.

　　She glared at the wall clock, 11:35am. She first wore her make up, then a little dress up on her hair.

　　She applied her avacadro cream on her skin, then a little touch of cortex on the already existing one on her finger nails.

　　Lastly, she had her cloth on. It was a black sleeveless gown with a short front end while the back reach to the ground.

　　It has a V collar which was wide enough, exposing the center part of her breasts, almost reaching to her abdomen.

　　She re-packed her hair in a full curly ponytail style with bands, she brought out a full strand of her hair at the left side, then another at the right side.

　　She gave herself a one last check on the mirror, then she grabbed her black purse, heading down to the garage.

　　Sonia hopped into her navy blue lexus, the driver started the engine, zooming out of the compound to AS Family Enterprise.

　　The car halted before the building, the driver stepped out to open the door for her.

　　Reporters had started asking her questions, and nothing annoyed Sonia than the reporters silly questions and the flashes of lights from the cameras.

　　She ignored their questions, heading into the building.

　　Sonia was called by her father who was the first to sight her. She braced him to herself, peeking his cheeks as he did the same to her.

　　“You look beautiful.” He complimented.

　　Sonia blushed. “Thanks, dad.”

　　“Come on, let’s go to the table.”

　　The table was specifically for the Sotomayor family. Sonia drops a kiss on her mother’s cheek, “Hey, mom.”

　　The occasion did started by twelve and it was making no sign of coming to an end.

　　Abel made sure everyone did eat and drink to their satisfaction. He was so much delighted to see his families and relatives in the party.

　　And it never occurred to any of them that the Devil is likely to pay them an unexpected visit.

　　Or maybe, that’s because they never received another message from hell.

　　The night gradually approached, taking over the cloud. Gradually, everyone departed to their various homes.

　　Only the Sotomayors were left, as they were having their private enjoyment together.

　　Suddenly, their phones beeped at the same time. Mrs Sotomayor was the first to notice hers. “Guys!” But they were too busy to hear her. “Guys! Guys!”

　　For a while they paused, glaring at her. “ We have a problem. There’s another message from hell. “She informed and they all checked their phones.

　　It reads; ?MASTER RETURNS TONIGHT. ?

　　“Do we seriously have to believe this?” Abel’s wife said.

　　“Keep your voice down, Molly, we don’t know if he’s here already.” Abel warned.

　　While they waited for the Master to show up, they continued their merriment.

　　Then Abel went to inform the cleaners to hurry up and go before the devil shows up.

　　*

　　Suddenly, all conversation seemed to have cease as all heads were turned in a particular direction.

　　Out of curiosity she did the same.

　　Suddenly, a delicious shiver that had nothing to do with the wine but everything to do with the gorgeous specimen of a man standing some what 30 feet’s away from her.

　　And you know what else he was staring at… Her!

　　Sonia drops the glass of wine on the table, standing to her feet just as the others did.

　　“Master.” They all bowed their heads.

　　He walks to the chair Abel was sitting, making himself comfortable on it. He takes off his hat,

　　“You may all be seated.” He ushered them to sit. “I believe you all got my message.”

　　“Yes, we did. But concerning yesterday… “ He didn’t let Richard finish his words, he interrupted.

　　“What happened yesterday should remain with yesterday. I’m talking about today. “

　　“ We all did receive your message.” He replied.

　　“ Good.” He glared at every faces sitting around the table, a smirk played on his lips.

　　His gaze fell on Sonia, and for a minute he was staring at her. Then, he returns his gaze back to Richard.

　　“You do know why I am here, don’t you?” He questioned.

　　Richard nodded his head with a “ yes” as a reply.

　　“Your father once made a deal with me. It was supposed to be just as we bargained, but I have noticed some of you have been disobedient to this bargain.”

　　They stared at each other but none said a word.

　　“ I don’t have to mention their names, we all know ourselves.”

　　Sonia knew that if he were to mention names, she would come out first in the list.

　　She kinda had doubt on him… if possible doubts. She believed he was only playing games with them.

　　Not only that, most times she do attend the church unlike the rest of them who had nothing to do with the church.

　　She could feel her legs vibrating in fear, her eyes on her fingers as they clung to each other.

　　“Please, forgive us master if we have wronged you in anyway. After this meeting, I will see to it that we reconcile to the convention our father had made with you. Please, do not be upset. “ Richard pleaded on their behalf.

　　“ Please forgive us.” They said in unison with their heads bowed.

　　Sonia mumbled the words, her conscience was hunting her badly and all she wished was for the devil not to notice her.

　　“I have heard you all, but in order to forgive those who have gone astray, I will make a bargain with you. Now, this bargain shall have nothing to do with that I made with your father. This will be our little business.”

　　There was a brief silence which lasted for minutes. They looked confused and speechless.

　　The master’s bargain might be a tempting one but… his repayment isn’t funny at all.

　　“I’m waiting.” He rested his hand on the table, the tip of his fingers met. “Are we ready for the deal… or not?” He asked.

　　“Yes, master, we are.” Richard was the only one doing most of the conversation since he was the oldest and closest to the master.

　　“In order to forgive those who have been disobedient, what shall I have in return?” He repeated. “ And like I said, this bargain has nothing to do with that I made with your father.”

　　Richard glared at the faces of his brothers, sisters, wife, children, nieces and nephews… this was indeed the most difficult request he has ever made.

　　What will he do? What should he say?

　　“Have my life in return.” He finally said.

　　“Richard?” Mrs Sotomayor casted a painful glance at him.

　　“There is nothing else to give to you other than my life if that will turn the heart of the unbelievers to you.”

　　He smiled. “ That was a smart bargain, Mr Richard. Consider it done.” He was gone, out in the thin air.

　　Richard as well as everyone else were quiet. Mrs Sotomayor had already stained her cheeks with tears.

　　“I’m sorry guys, I couldn’t let any of you suffer for this. It is my duty to serve, to protect and keep us safe. In case I die tonight, please, do not forget to keep to father’s covenant. I beg of you all.” He pleaded.

　　With that, they all departed to their homes. Today was supposed to be a moment of happiness, but unexpectedly, it turns out to be a living nightmare.

　　The devil was back again for a second bargain.

　　Sonia hated herself for this. She knew it was all her fault her father had sacrificed his life for them.

　　Her conscience couldn’t stop hunting her. Even when John called, she refuses to pick his call.

　　She just barely got the chance to meet her father once again, and tonight he was gonna die? Just like that for some kinda ancestral covenant?

　　*

　　*

　　Mrs Sotomayor decided not to talk to anyone, not even to her husband. She went to a different room to sleep, she wasn’t going to give him her attention.

　　Richard followed her behind, but before he could make it to her, she shut the door on his face.

　　“Just… go away.” She said painfully.

　　“Babe, this is the only way I have to protect the family and keep it going.”

　　“ Yeah, I can see that. Look, Richard, I don’t wanna talk too much and besides, I’ve a lot to work on in the company tomorrow. Good night. “

　　“ Tyna, do you really want to play this attitude on me even when tonight will be our last?”

　　“ I don’t know what to say to you, but the truth is, you chose the ugly fate. You felt it was easy to sacrifice your life away, do you even think of the pains you’d be leaving?” She yelled.

　　“ I did thought about it all. If I hadn’t offered my life tell me, what were you intending on offering to him? Your own life, or the lives of our kids? Or do you have some precious stones to give to him rich enough to change his mind?

　　If there isn’t a repay, we will automatically become his repay and not even you, nor me nor any of us will survive. And father’s covenant, nor the so-called business you’re looking up to can change anything about it! “ He stormed.

　　“ So, if you think playing attitude will solve the problem then you’re wrong. I’m dying is not just because I want it, I’m dying for your sake and for the sake of my children. Goodnight. “

　　He turns to leave, but Tyna opened the door. She rushed to him, hugging him from behind. She didn’t want to let go, she was scared she’d lose him if she has to.

　　“I’m scared, Richard. I’m scared I will have to live in this world without you. I don’t want to imagine waking up without you by my side. I’m just so scared.” She wept.

　　He pulled her into his arms, placing a kiss on her head. “ What matters is you are alive as well as our children. They are the most important thing we can ever have, their future matters.”

　　“ So, it’s a good bye, isn’t it?”

　　“ I guess it is.”

　　To Be Continued…

　　SEX WITH THE DEVIL